Life-saving message: ‘See Tracks? Think Train!’
ODOT’s Rail & Public Transit Division is joining with Oregon’s Operation Lifesaver in an educational campaign aimed at improving safety at highway-rail grade crossings throughout the state.
The partners received funds from the Federal Highway Administration for the campaign and will promote the nonprofit group’s ongoing “See Tracks? Think Train!” public awareness campaign.
Funds are being used to purchase brochures, which will be distributed at Oregon DMV offices, ports of entry, and other locations. ODOT’s Motor Carrier Division will reach out to professional truck drivers and offer the brochures and visor cards with the message.
Funds will also be used to run radio and television public service announcements on Spanish-language stations across the state.
“It’s a great partnership within ODOT – Rail & Public Transit, DMV and Motor Carrier – as well as externally, with our Operation Lifesaver partners, FHWA and safety advocates all over the state,” said Rick Shankle, Rail Crossing Safety Section manager.
Oregon is one of 13 winners awarded through a competitive process. Selections were made by a panel of safety experts using criteria including successfully leveraging the federal funds with private partnerships, targeted messaging and frequency of highway-rail collisions.
